William Gehling, Director
of athletics
Branwen Smith-King, Assistant athletic director; physical education coordinator
John Casey, Assistant athletic director
Rick Miller, Facilities
coordinator
Paul Sweeney, Sports information coordinator
Michael Pimentel, Fitness center coordinator
Coach/Lecturers:
Kate Bayard, Women's tennis and squash
Carla Berube, Women's basketball
Nancy Bigelow, Women's swimming
Gary Caldwell, Crew
John Casey, Baseball, football
Michael Daly, Men's lacrosse
Doug Eng, Men's tennis
and squash
Ralph Ferrigno, Men's soccer
Adam Hoyt, Men's swimming
Ken Legler, Sailing
Christina McDavitt, Field hockey
Cheryl Milligan, Softball
Kristen Morwick, Women's track
Brian Murphy, Hockey
Cornelius Putnam, Men's track
Carol Rappoli, Women's lacrosse
Jason Sachs, Women's fencing
Bill Samko, Football, baseball
Robert Sheldon, Men's basketball, golf
Cora Thompson, Women's volleyball
John Walsh, Football
Martha Whiting, Women's soccer
Trainer/Lecturers:
Anita Chase, Sports medicine
Patricia Cordeiro, Sports medicine
Mark Doughtie, Sports medicine
Nicholas Mitropoulos, Sports medicine
Michael Pimentel, Sports medicine, outdoor education
Janet Silva, Sports medicine
Within the liberal arts framework at Tufts University, the physical education program
offers students instruction in individual, dual, and group activities that promote
lifelong fitness and enjoyment. Courses in aquatics, racquet sports, fencing, aerobics,
physical fitness, and outdoor education are some examples of the diverse offerings of the
department. Approximately fifty courses are scheduled each academic year, and most courses
are offered fall and spring semesters. Every effort is made to maintain limited enrollment
in all courses, to provide each student with maximum personal attention from the
instructors.
One-half academic credit is granted for courses that are skill-oriented, and a total of two such credits may be applied toward the total for the degree. Introductory level courses are offered on a pass-fail basis. Theory classes of one course credit are applicable toward the degree. No advanced placement or retroactive credit will be given for any physical education courses.
Athletics has been an important part of life at Tufts throughout its history. The athletic program provides students the opportunity to compete in both intercollegiate and intramural sports, and also to engage in general recreation. Tufts fields seventeen varsity teams for men and women, supports eight club sports organizations, and offers several intramural sports programs.
Undergraduate Courses
1 Swimming I. Proficiency in four competitive strokes with emphasis on conscious breath control. One-half course credit.
2 Fitness through Aquatics. This course should improve the student's physiological condition, teach an awareness of proper stroke technique, involve methods of teaching swimming, and explore some of the recent research projects in exercise physiology related especially to swimming. One-half course credit.
4 Water Stunts and Springboard Diving. Development of proficiency in springboard diving. Five groups of required dives are covered: forward, back, inward, reserve, and twisting. One-half course credit.
5 Sailing. Introduction to sailing in Lark-class dinghies. Emphasis on boat handling skills, sailing theory, sailing techniques, and safety. One-half course credit.
6 Yoga. Introduction to the fundamentals of yoga techniques, including exercises, breathing, and posture. One-half course credit.
11 Foil Fencing I. Introduction to the art of fencing; basic attacks and defense skills applicable to bout situations. One-half course credit.
12 Foil Fencing II. Review of basic skills, with focus on more complex attack and defense skills and practical experience in bout judging and directing. Prerequisite: Foil Fencing I. One-half course credit.
21 Outdoor Living Skills. Development of skills and knowledge basic to enjoyment, understanding, and safe exploration of the outdoors. Study and practice of camping skills, map and compass, safety and survival skills, weather, backpacking, and climbing. Field trips provide practical experience. One-half course credit.
22 Sea-Kayaking. Introduction to the sport of sea-kayaking, consisting of equipment orientation, paddle strokes, maneuvers, boating safety, self-rescue, and group rescue. Ocean information, including tides, currents, weather and navigation. Development of decision-making skills. Prerequisite: swim test. One-half course credit.
23 Ropes and Rocks. Introduction to rock climbing and ropes with emphasis on efficient technique and safety procedures. Field trips to local ropes courses and selected rock climbing sites. Mountain rescue techniques. One-half course credit.
24 Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding. Lessons at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Includes instruction in safety and appropriate equipment. Transportation and equipment rental provided by department. One-half course credit.
31 Badminton. Introduction to basic offense and defense strokes, techniques, and basic strategy in singles and doubles play. One-half course credit.
32 Squash I. Introduction to various shots, techniques, and strategy. One-half course credit.
33 Tennis I. Introduction to basic strokes, body mechanics, and strategy. One-half course credit.
34 Tennis II. Advanced shots and tactics for students with consistent basic strokes. Prerequisite: Tennis I or consent. One-half course credit.
37 Racquet Sports. Introduction to basic strokes, techniques, and strategy of two or more racquet sports, e.g., badminton, squash, and tennis. One-half course credit.
38 Squash II. Review of basic squash skills with emphasis on advanced techniques and strategies. Prerequisite: Physical Education 32 or consent. One-half course credit.
40 Jogging. Introduction to basic principles of beginner jogging program. Emphasis on stretching techniques, safety, injury prevention, nutrition, stress management, and conditioning. One-half course credit.
41 Golf. Basic background knowledge and experience in various elementary strokes. One-half course credit.
43 Muscle Conditioning. Introduction to use of free weights and resistance bands to increase muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, toning, and maintenance of bone density. Emphasis on safety, proper technique, enjoyment, and lifetime adherence to fitness. One-half course credit.
44 Sports Conditioning. Introduction to fundamental skills required for developing athletic fitness. Periodization model designed to promote flexibility, anaerobic power, speed, agility, and balance. One-half course credit.
45 Physical Fitness. Investigation of major components of fitness through selected exercises and training programs. Progressive development of individualized fitness programs. One-half course credit.
46 Weight Training. Introduction to weight training activities through use of resistance exercises, free weights, and mechanical apparatus. Emphasis on various exercises, techniques, safety, and physiological benefits of strength, muscle tone, and power. One-half course credit.
47 Aerobic Dance. Low impact, rhythmic exercise, and aerobic movements to music. Emphasis on safety, enjoyment, and lifetime adherence to fitness. One-half course credit.
48 Advanced Weight Training. Review of basic weight training activities through use of resistance exercise, free weights, and mechanical apparatus. Emphasis on physiology and advanced techniques related to strength, muscle tone, and power. Prerequisite: Physical Education 46 or consent. One-half course credit.
49 Team Sports. Introduction to skills, strategy, and rules of various team sport activities such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball. One-half course credit.
50 Self-Defense. Introduction to the analysis of selected self-defense
techniques, styles, and philosophies such as karate, judo, self-defense for women, or Tae
Kwon Do. One-half course credit.
53 Advanced Aerobics. Advanced rhythmic exercise and aerobic movements to
music. Various techniques and strategies used to promote aerobic fitness for the
advanced student. Prerequisite: Physical Education 46 or step aerobic
experience. One-half course credit.
Courses for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
110 Independent Study. Guided individual study of a topic approved by the physical education department or athletics. One course credit. Prerequisite: consent.
130 Lifeguarding. The basic principles of water rescue, first aid, spinal injury management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and safe operation of an aquatic facility. Leads to certification in lifeguarding. First aid and CPR for the professional rescuer. Prerequisite: swim test. One course credit.
131 Emergency Care. A state-approved course in emergency medical technology. Trains participants for the Massachusetts EMT certification exam. Techniques in the comprehensive management of medical, traumatic, and psychiatric emergencies. Laboratory fee required. One course credit.
136 Prevention and Management of Sports Injuries. Prevention and management of injuries associated with sports and athletics. Injury prevention through study of scientific principles of conditioning, proper equipment selection, and design safety of practice and performance areas. Application of a knowledge of basic human anatomy and the mechanism of injury to the provision of emergency management of injuries, as well as assistance with prescribed rehabilitation programs. One course credit.
141 Sport in Education. Identification and systematic analysis of the educational issues and technical problems encountered in the coaching of various sports at the high school and college levels. Designed primarily for those students interested in coaching as part of a career. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. One course credit.
145 Advanced Principles in Exercise. Comprehensive approach to studying anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of exercise. Principles and program development as related to exercise will be presented based on current exercise-science research. Designed to provide students with laboratory and theoretical background for teaching and coaching in sport and athletics. Prerequisite: Physical Education 46 or consent. One course credit. Pimentel
146 Personal Fitness and Wellness. Comprehensive study of components essential in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Physical, psychological, intellectual, spiritual, and social dimensions of wellness presented, based on current research and trends. Personalized fitness programs for each student designed under guidance of qualified personal trainer during second half of semester. Fitness regimen monitored, supervised, and evaluated to meet demands of student. One course credit.
148 Athletics and Team Dynamics. Focus on effective teams, exploring foundations, skills, and challenges associated with leadership. Stages of team development, motivation, conflict, confidence, ethics, gender, and sportsmanship in coaching. Prerequisites: Physical Education 141 or consent. One course credit.
150 Bodyworks. Effects of stress on the body during sports performance. Human anatomy, body mechanics, theory and assessment. Identification of muscle spasms, trigger points and the role of flexibility in body management. Instruction and practice in the use of massage, relaxation and touch techniques.